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How to select the right travel app for your next trip: 1. Download from a trusted source. That would be iTunes or Google Play. 2. Read the stars – and the reviews. The best travel apps have at least four stars, but many exceed 4 1/2 stars. Pay attention to the reviews, too, especially if you might need the app for a special purpose, like translating a particular language. 3. Test before you take it on the road. You don't want to find out that your app has a critical flaw while you're traveling. That might include consuming too much data, demanding you upgrade to a paid version, or only working in the United States. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to know if you need specialty travel clothing: 1. Does it match your trip? For example, UV-protective clothes and bug-repellent clothes are great if you’re going on an African safari. On an average beach vacation, your regular clothes and bug-repellent sprays should do the job. 2. Does it help you blend? A lot of travel clothing does the opposite: There are logos, bright colors, flashy designs. 3. Does it simplify your choices? The most experienced travelers have just one set of clothes – a "preset" wardrobe. Getty Images

How to avoid getting hacked on vacation: 1. Back up, update and encrypt. Before you leave, make sure you back up all devices and data. Double-check that all security updates are applied that sensitive data is encrypted. 2. Beware of new mobile apps. Before you go, you might be tempted to install a museum app, a language translation app or a local news app. But it may also be malicious and compromise your data. 3. Mind the "evil maid." When you leave your laptop out of your sight in a hotel bedroom, someone can take advantage of that and either copy your laptop hard drive or infect it with malware. The workaround? Encrypt your disk or never let your PC out of your sight. Getty Images/iStockphoto

What you need to know about minimum connection times: 1. They're a team effort. Minimum connection times are initially set by a group of airlines or by an airport operating committee. The times are built into the airline reservation systems, ensuring each reservation is "legal." 2. They can be specific to airports or flights. Times can change if a terminal is under construction or an airport train closes for repairs. It's always a good idea to check your airline's airport-specific page for any changes. 3. They are not a guarantee that your connecting flight won't leave without you. They are only guidelines that are meant to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. Getty Images/iStockphoto

What you need to know about an extended-stay hotel: 1. Amenities. Most extended-stay hotels have kitchenettes, but they may not have an oven, in-room laundry facilities or separate living room area. Check the property descriptions carefully. 2.Services. While some extended-stay hotels offer room service, many clean their rooms only weekly. 3. Policies. Extended-stay properties generally don't charge mandatory "resort" fees. But pay attention to their cancellation policies, which can vary. InterContinental Hotels Group

How to get a better cup of in-room hotel coffee: 1. Rinse and run. Always rinse your coffee maker thoroughly and run it once without any coffee; that will clear out any residual coffee or other debris. 2. Consider bringing your own beans. You can overcome even a substandard coffee machine with terrific grounds. 3. Call room service. If you find a coffee maker that doesn't meet your standards, consider ordering coffee through room service or buying one in the lobby. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to not look like a tourist (even if you are one): 1. Think of it as a game. How closely can you mimic surrounding behavior to fit in without notice? 2. No maps! Don't walk around with a giant map in your hands. Instead, keep the map on your phone – and stay cool. 3. Slow down. Tourists try to do everything in a day. If you stop running, you won't stand out. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to get a refund from a travel company: 1. Patience. Give the company at least a week to respond to your refund request and two credit card billing cycles to pay you. 2. Persistence. Don't let months pass by without letting the company know that your money is still missing. If necessary, set a calendar reminder so that you don't forget. 3. Politeness. Angry demands for a refund and threats to take a company to court almost always backfire. The company may refer your case to its legal department, where it could linger for weeks or months. Be nice! Getty Images/iStockphoto

Reasons you can get a hotel room upgrade: 1. A special event. Honeymoons rank high on the list. Hotels will try to make your special occasion more memorable if you ask. 2. A special circumstance. If you're thinking of coming back to the hotel and bringing a big group with you, mention it. If you're planning to return again in a month or a year, say something. Anything that sets you apart as a more valued customer can sway a hotel to upgrade you. 3. A special need. Some of the larger rooms are more disability-friendly. If you need extra room to accommodate a wheelchair, or walker, the only room that might fit you is a suite. Don't be shy about asking. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

How to handle a cleaning fee: 1. Click to find it. If you're booking online, don't pay attention to the "per night" charge. Instead, scroll down to the "total." That's the amount you actually will pay. Now, look up. If there's a cleaning fee, you'll see it there. If you're booking by phone, always ask about the cleaning fee – and never assume there isn't one. 2. You can negotiate a cleaning fee. If the host balks, you can at least ask for a cleaning halfway through your stay. (On stays of longer than two weeks, a cleaning halfway through your stay is fairly standard.) 3. If it isn't disclosed, dispute it. Save your screenshots and confirmations, because if the cleaning fee isn't disclosed – and if you paid by credit card – you may be able to dispute it with your credit card company. But that's a last resort. Try asking politely to remove the fee. Getty Images

How to find the best – and avoid the worst – hotel room: 1. Note the age of the hotel: The older the hotel, the less comfortable and older the beds will be. 2. Don't forget about safety. The safest rooms are located on the side of the hotel farthest from the front entrance, located above ground level but not on the top floor (nothing higher than the sixth floor), without a balcony and not overlooked by another room. 3. Use a rebooking site. Sites such as Tingo.com or DreamCheaper.com can help you score an upgrade. They look at the reservations you’ve already made. If a nicer room opens up at that price, you automatically get switched over. The Royal Hawaiian A Luxury Collection Resort

How to get more comfortable airline seats: 1. Avoid "low cost" carriers. Airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit have a well-deserved reputation for small seats and a scarcity of personal space. 2. Look for the good seats in economy. The exit row and bulkhead seats typically have more room than a standard seat, if you can afford them. The worst seats are the ones in the rear of the aircraft, which don't recline. 3. Travel with pillows and blankets. Even if you're in a "premium" seat, it's also true that the cushions aren't what they used to be. American Airlines

Tips for getting a vehicle when they run out of rental cars: 1. Confirm your reservation: Contact your car rental agency a day before you arrive. Always bring your reservation confirmation to show the rate you paid. Make a printout, just in case the battery on your phone dies. 2. Arrive on time: Check in as close as possible to the time indicated on your reservation. 3: Have a Plan B: That could mean renting from a competitor, taking a bus or using a cab or a popular ride-sharing service. Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY

How to switch seats with another airplane passenger: 1. Be polite: Sometimes, you won't have any leverage, like a better seat or a set of extenuating circumstances. A "please" and "thank you" can overcome all of that. 2. Sweeten the deal: Offer to buy the passenger a drink or slip them a few $20 bills. 3. Wait, then ask your flight attendant: After your flight reaches cruising altitude, try asking the flight attendant for help. You may also want to ask for the purser, or chief flight attendant, if your requests to be reseated are rebuffed. Tim Loehrke, USA TODAY

Tips for avoiding a missing hotel reservation: 1. Call to confirm before your visit. Yes, even if you booked directly with the hotel. 2. Double check your dates. Even veteran travelers get hotel dates wrong. 3. Make a printout of your reservation. A hard copy printout remains the most reliable evidence of your reservation. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to get around the new carry-on rules: 1. Fit it all into your "personal" item. That's defined as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches or less. 2. Use a luggage shipping service. Companies such as Luggage Forward and many other similar services will send your bags ahead of you for a price. 3. Be the first to board and have the right ticket. Avoid "basic" economy-class fares and discount airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit, which charge extra for carry-on items. Getty Images

How to write an airline consumer complaint: 1. Be precise. Include details such as your confirmation code, flight number and travel date. 2. Cut the drama. When you claim that your entire 10-day trip to Barcelona was "ruined" because the flight attendant spilled orange juice on your leather jacket, you trigger eye-rolls at the airline. 3. Explain what you want. Don’t leave the airline guessing. Are you asking them to refund your checked bag fee? To add miles to your frequent-flier account? To simply apologize? Bob Andres, Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

How to find the best road stops: 1. Identify the official rest areas before you leave. Most states list their welcome centers and rest areas online. 2. Do your research on roadside businesses. If you have a smartphone, doing a quick search on Yelp or TripAdvisor before your stop will help you choose between several gas stations. 3. Time your stops if you can. Planning your road trip stops can help you avoid the worst road stops. Pilot Flying J

Three things airlines won't tell you about vouchers: 1. We're legally required to offer you cash. In some cases, such as a canceled flight, an airline is required to offer you a refund. Instead, it will try to offer to rebook the flight or give you a voucher. 2. The blackout dates make it impossible to redeem the voucher. Make sure you read the fine print on the voucher before you agree to it. If you don't like the terms, ask for a better deal, or a refund. 3. The credits will expire sooner than you think. Airline representatives are particularly vague about the terms. In reality, most airline credits last far less than a year from the date of your aborted trip. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to book a hotel the smart way:
1. Start with a thorough search. Check an online travel agency like Expedia or Booking.com or call your travel agent. Check the rate against the price your preferred hotel would charge if you book direct. 2.
Review the restrictions. Hotels can impose restrictions for booking through their site, like making their rooms non-refundable, so read the conditions closely before deciding where to go. You might be better off working with a big agency that has negotiated better terms. 3.
Check the incentives. Ask yourself if you really need the points or the upgrade. Red Roof

Tips on avoiding tips: 1. Take out instead of eating out. If you order takeout, no tip is expected because no table service is provided. 2. Visit a business with a no-tipping policy. But beware: Instead, some "no tipping" restaurants add a mandatory "service charge" of 18% to 20%. 3. Avoid the outstretched hands. (You can.) You can stay in vacation rentals, rent a car or use mass transit, buy your food in a grocery store and take the self-guided tour and avoid having to leave a tip. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to opt out of aggressive email campaigns: 1. Click the unsubscribe button. Every legitimate email campaign must have one. The sooner you click it, the louder your message to the hotel, tour operator or cruise line that these high-pressure tactics won't be tolerated. 2. Say "no" — and say why. Most travel companies will offer a "feedback" option when you opt out of an email campaign. Tell them why you're unsubscribing, especially if the annoyance affects whether you'd do business with them again. 3. Tell the feds. Complain to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if a business is emailing you without consent. Under the CAN-SPAM Act, you have the right to end the seemingly relentless emails. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to handle a rude TSA agent: 1. Report the agent to a supervisor. Ask for a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) immediately. 2. Complain in writing. You can send an email directly to the TSA (tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints). 3. Contact your elected representative. You can contact your representative online at house.gov/representatives/find. Congress has tried to hold the agency accountable for its actions in the past, and its vigilance is bipartisan. Scott Olson, Getty Images

Who to call if your travel insurance claim has been denied: 1. Your state insurance commissioner. To find your insurance commissioner, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners site: naic.org/index_members.htm. Some travelers have reported that their claims were honored after copying their state insurance commissioner on their appeal. 2. The Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB investigates claims of this nature, but it has little sway over the final outcome of your appeal. 3. A consumer advocate. Even though travel insurance companies operate "by the book," they can be prodded into changing their minds by an outside party. Check out the National Association of Consumer Advocates site for a referral: consumeradvocates.org. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid an in-flight emergency: 1. Know when you shouldn't go. Generally, you should avoid flying if you're sick, recovering from a serious illness or have a condition that is easily exacerbated by the stress of flying. 2. Don't fly if you're contagious.Airlines will issue a credit and may waive the change fee if you can prove you were sick at the time you were supposed to fly. 3. Avoid flights that could divert. Some flights are likelier to experience a medical emergency than others, particularly those to destinations that tend to attract retirees or passengers in poor health. Flights to Las Vegas, Miami and Fort Lauderdale may fall into that category. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid wrinkled clothes: 1. Roll, don't fold. It doesn't just save space, it can prevent wrinkles. 2. Spray 'em out. Wrinkle-release sprays can fix travel-related wrinkles in a pinch. 3. Don't overpack — or underpack. “Wrinkling is caused when the bag is underpacked or overstuffed, so add or remove items until you have the perfect amount of items to keep the items in place while traveling," advises author Tori Toth. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to keep your travel complaint from being ignored: 1. Cite the rules, chapter and verse. If you have a strong case for compensation or a refund, it'll be in the contract. 2. Lawyer up — without lawyering up. Without threatening to go to court, let the company know that it may be violating the law (if, indeed, it is). 3. Appeal to a company's customer service culture. Travel companies frequently promote warranties, customer promises or mission statements that claim to put you first. A quick reference to these documents can be enough to persuade an airline, car rental company, hotel or cruise line to do the right thing. Getty Images/iStockphoto

What standard travel insurance doesn't cover: 1. Pre-existing medical conditions. Though some policies offer a waiver for medical conditions, you have to make sure you meet all of its conditions. 2. Changing your mind. Don't want to take the vacation? Most insurance won't cover you, but you can always go for a more expensive "cancel for any reason" policy, which would. 3. Psychological or nervous disorders. If you can't board a flight because you're afraid of flying, you generally can't file a successful claim. 4. Partying too hard. If you had a little too much to drink the night before your return flight and missed it, don't bother filing a claim. scyther5, Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid visa problems: 1. Mind your expiration dates. Both visas and passports have an expiration date. Be aware of them, and make sure you don't overstay. 2. Take the right photo. Countries are specific about their requirements (no sunglasses, no hats, specific formatting). 3. Remember, a visa isn't a guarantee of admission. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to find the best agent: 1. Ask a friend. A personal recommendation remains the best way to find a competent travel professional. 2. Use an agent finder. The American Society of Travel Agents publishes a directory of its agents at Travelsense.org. Also, check a consortium such as Virtuoso or Travel Leaders. 3. Look for the title. The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designations issued by The Travel Institute are signs that your agent has taken the time to study up on the industry. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid a car rental surprise: 1. Read the fine print. Many surprises aren't surprises at all — they're just "gotchas" concealed in the fine print. Look for the "terms and conditions" in small type. Don't ignore them. 2. Ask before you rent. Does your car insurance cover the vehicle? How about your credit card? The only way to know for certain is to ask. If you assume, you may be stuck with an unnecessary bill. 3. Resolve in real time. Don't wait until you get home to fix a bad surprise. Most problems can be resolved at the counter. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to spot a fake review: 1. Check the reviewer's record. Fake reviews are often posted by accounts with little or no additional review history. 2. Show and tell. Talk is cheap, but photos of a resort or restaurant are harder to fake. You might think twice before trusting a detailed review without photos. 3. Look for extremes. If you see a one-star or a five-star rating or a lot of superlatives in the description, chances are you're looking at a fake. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to say no to a tip request: 1. Be polite and firm, but don't over explain. 2. Avoid a confrontation. Restaurants and other establishments generally push you to offer a tip privately. Just leave the tip field on your credit card slip blank or decline to leave extra cash. 3. Use the system to your advantage. For example, can the employee see the tip amount you're authorizing on Square? Not always. If you don't believe you should be tipping, just click the "no tip" field and sign the screen. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid a traffic ticket overseas: 1. Stay out of downtown areas. Restricted zones are largely confined to heavily congested city centers. 2. Do the math. Pay particular attention to the difference between kilometers and miles, and slow down unless you want a speeding ticket! 3. Read the signs. Look for red circles with the words "Zona Traffico Limitato" in them when you're in Italy. In Germany, it's called an "Umweltzone." In Britain, the signs read, "Congestion Charging" and "Central Zone." Getty Images

How to avoid unfair fees: 1. Single supplement: Some cruise lines offer single cabins. And some tour operators charge modest single supplements. 2. Non-refundable tickets: Southwest Airlines has some of the most passenger-friendly fares and fees, when it comes to changes. 3. Fuel surcharges: Fortunately, these fees must be included in the price of your ticket. But if you see an airline with high fuel surcharges in time of lower oil prices, you may want to seek one that doesn't. 4. Resort fees: Don't stay at a hotel with resort fees. It's the only way to send a message that you don't tolerate these misrepresentations. Steve Mason, Getty Images

How to prevent your identity from being stolen: 1. Don't play fast and loose with your ID. Your passport and ID are some of the most important travel documents. Don't leave them in your hotel room. And when you carry them on your person, keep them close to you, preferably in a money belt or travel wallet. 2. Keep 'em separated. Don't store critical documents in the same place. You may need one in order to replace the other. 3. Upload copies of critical documents online. A copy of a document by itself will not allow you to travel, but it can make the process to replace a passport a whole lot easier. Michael Reynolds, EPA

How to fit more in your suitcase: 1. Cube it. Luggage cubes allow you to compress lots of clothes into a compact space. 2. Vacuum pack it. You'd be surprised how much air is between the clothes in your carry-on. A vacuum packing technology can create even more space, although your clothes may be a little wrinkly. 3. Roll it. Instead of folding your clothes and pushing them into the bag, fold and then roll. Even without a cube or vacuum pack, you'll fit more in your luggage. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid a flight from hell: 1. Avoid connecting and late flights. Generally, the more connections you make, and the later in the day your flight leaves, the greater the chances something will go wrong. 2. Know your rights. By far the best resource for airline consumer rights, at least when it comes to federal regulations, is the DOT's Fly Rights brochure, which is available online. Also, check your airline's contract of carriage. 3. Be grateful. Take a deep breath and appreciate the big picture. If your flight lands safely, that's the most important thing. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid a dirty hotel: 1. Set high standards. Stay at a hotel with top-notch reviews or customer service scores. 2. Check in and check out. If a hotel doesn't meet your standards, don't let an employee talk you into staying, even if you've prepaid for your stay. Leave and ask for a refund. If you don't get it, dispute the charges on your credit card. 3. Report the hotel. If you check into a property that's unlivable, your next call needs to be to the health department to report the condition of the hotel. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid a vacation rental surprise: 1. Rent with names you trust. Airbnb, VRBO and FlipKey have legitimate rentals and higher standards. 2. Assume nothing. Every vacation rental comes with linens, right? Wrong. 3. Never wire money. Wiring money can lead to the most unpleasant surprise of all: a rental that doesn't even exist. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to spot hidden fees: 1. Don't get cute. If you're booking online, avoid pop-up blockers, unconventional browsers or anything that might interfere with the normal display process. Why? Clever operatives can hide their disclosures in places that can't be seen if you're browsing in an unconventional way. 2. Use a big screen. Making reservations on a tiny phone screen is just asking for trouble. 3. Review the grand total. Almost always, you'll find every required extra, including taxes and fees, as part of the "final" charge. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid fees on your rental car:
1. Tolls: Car rental companies add extra fees for using their transponders, sometimes charging by the day. Either bring your own toll transponder or avoid tolls with a reliable mapping app. 2. High insurance rates: Car rental insurance can be found in unexpected places, including your own credit card, travel insurance policy or as a standalone product from your online travel agency. 3. Tickets: Download an app like Speed Cameras & Traffic by Sygic, which lets you see the speed limit for the road you are traveling on, or CamSam Plus, which alerts you to speed cameras. Many GPS navigation systems also come equipped with traffic enforcement warnings. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid smells at hotels: 1. Go hypoallergenic. Stay with a hotel that offers hypoallergenic rooms, which are not scented. Most of the major chains now offer no-smell quarters. 2. If you smell something, say something. Some hotels pump smells into every part of the property. If you're sensitive to scents, don't wait until you're halfway through your visit to complain. 3. Fumigate your own room. If all else fails, open a window, or find the source of the smell and stop it. emera Technologies/Getty Images

What to do at the airport for free while you wait: 1. See the art. Phoenix Sky Harbor, for example, has an impressive collection of art. 2. Watch the planes. One of the best places to plane-spot is Honolulu International Airport. Terminals there are connected by long, open-air walkways, where you can see the aircraft up close, smell the aircraft fuel and hear the deafening roar of aircraft engines revving up. 3. Take a hike. Stretch your legs before you take off by walking through the airport terminal. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to get an aisle seat: 1. Ask for it. Airlines will assign a desirable aisle seat to passengers who need the extra room or access to the lavatory. You can also ask a fellow passenger to switch with you after boarding. 2. Pull the card. If you have a loyalty card, you may be entitled to a better seat, even if you're sitting in economy class. 3. Pay for one. Airlines will love this suggestion because they'll make more money from you. But if avoiding a window or aisle is important, you may want to spend a few extra dollars. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to keep your personal information private while traveling: 1. Use a virtual private network. A VPN creates a secure encrypted tunnel between your device and a server somewhere on the Internet. That makes it nearly impossible for someone on the same network to eavesdrop on your network traffic. 2. Tell your phone to say "no." Disable location services, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when possible. 3. Use caution in rental cars. Either manually enter the address into the car’s navigation system or use your own device, but don't connect to the infotainment system. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to find quiet when you travel: 1. Book where there's less noise. The front of the aircraft is less noisy and tends to have a quieter kind of passenger (read: business travelers). On a train, look for the quiet cars. 2. Block it. Noise canceling headsets can filter out unwanted noise. But if you're serious about avoiding noise pollution, always travel with a pair of earplugs. 3. Timing is everything. Don't expect to get much quiet if you're in New Orleans around Mardi Gras or in one of the popular spring break destinations in March. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to fight questionable car rental tactics: 1. Sign up for a company's frequent-renter program, which allows you to state your preferences before you arrive. That could make you less vulnerable to upgrade, downgrade and option games. 2. Automated check-in kiosks limit the amount of interaction with a salesperson. But pay close attention to what you're agreeing to on the screen. 3. Carry a copy of your car insurance or evidence of insurance through your travel insurance policy or credit card. If you don't, a representative could pressure you — or even deny you the keys to a car. Getty Images/iStockphoto

How to avoid air rage: 1. Fly early. Experts say alcohol and drugs are a major factor of in-flight incidents. So book an early morning flight to avoid heavily intoxicated passengers. 2. Avoid tight quarters. Use a site such as Routehappy that finds flights based on amenities and comfort. 3. And choose the right seat. A bulkhead row, exit row or seat near the galley might be less likely to be the scene of a midair disturbance. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Next time you travel somewhere, consider talking to a professional first.

That's what Seth Beckerman did when he needed to plan a recent trip around the world. His travel agent, Joe Kiernan, charged him a $35 consulting fee to create a seamless itinerary and was on call to make sure everything fell in place. And when it didn't, he quickly fixed it.

"When I was stranded in the Auckland airport because of a missed connection and Air New Zealand balked at accommodating me, I called Joe," says Beckerman, a retired editor from Pittsburgh. "He made it happen."

I know what you're thinking: Here comes another story about how travel agents are making a comeback.

Except they're not. The number of travel agents has shriveled from 124,000 in 2000 to 74,100 in 2014, according to the government's Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that's good news. Many of the mundane tasks travel agents used to do, such as writing airline tickets, have been automated by travel websites. Today's travel professional is far likelier to have expertise, knowledge and deep connections that can ensure your trip is a smooth one.

But agents are not for everyone. Ian MacDonald, an entrepreneur from Toronto, stopped using a travel agent when he added a $75 consulting fee to his services. MacDonald went the do-it-yourself route and has no regrets.

"It is easy, fast and has saved me thousands of dollars," he says.

For years, travel agents privately scoffed at the DIYers, deriding them as "amateurs" and calling the sites they used, such as Expedia and Priceline, "travel vending machines." But the real professionals have shed that attitude and are zeroing in on a more positive message. Yes, there are lots of folks such as MacDonald out there, and most of them will be just fine planning their own simple trips. But if you ever need an expert, agents will be there, ready to help.

“The value of a travel agent is immeasurable," says Annie Scrivanich, a senior vice president for Cruise Specialists, a Seattle-based travel agency. Today's travel agent is highly trained, well-traveled and has an extensive Rolodex of industry contacts, just in case they need to call in a favor. You'd have to spend half your free time online and the other half on the road to come close to that level of expertise.

Don't confuse confidence with arrogance. Years ago, before travel websites became popular, the only way to book a cruise or a complicated vacation such as a honeymoon was to go through an agency, and some agents behaved as if they were the only game in town. Now, they know they have to be more than order-takers who collect a commission check. They have to work for you, and their loyalty must be to you.

Here's the real shift: For the better part of two decades, travel agents claimed they worked for you but their loyalties remained with the suppliers, who paid them generous bonuses that covered their expenses. To many travelers, their words were compromised by conflict of interest. But last year, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the largest professional organization for travel agents, stunned the travel world by shifting its focus to the consumer. It relaunched Travelsense.org, a consumer-facing website, and began promoting agents as advocates for the traveler.

A few weeks ago I had an opportunity to address an ASTA conference and meet with agents. I wanted to find out if this was for real or just another marketing gimmick. Most of the pros I spoke with told me what I've been waiting to hear for years: That they are agents for you, the traveler. If push came to shove, they'd throw a travel supplier under a high-speed train.

On my return from the conference, I had a chance to experience the benefits of an agent when I was stuck in New York on a stopover. My return flight to Orlando was canceled, and they couldn't get me back home for another 24 hours. While two codesharing airlines argued over who was responsible for the mess, my travel agent stepped up and found me a hotel and an early morning flight home.

You can't go wrong by taking care of your customers. After years of precipitous declines, Americans are slowly discovering the new travel agent. According to consumer spending data from Bank of America, the average traveler spent $117 on agencies overall in 2016, up 4% from a year before.

The small number of travel professionals that remain still have a way to go before they can truly say they've returned. But when they do, they'll be working for you.

How to find the best agent

• Ask a friend. A personal recommendation remains the best way to find a competent travel professional. Make sure you do your due diligence before you go with an agent. Ask for a list of references and check to make sure they're licensed.

• Look for the title. The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designations issued by The Travel Institute (thetravelinstitute.com) are signs that your agent has taken the time to study up on the industry. Having these degrees is an indicator your agent is serious about being a professional.

Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate and editor at large for National Geographic Traveler. Contact him at chris@elliott.org or visit elliott.org.